I got away by 9am, by which time Queenstown was crawling with people.
I made my way out of town along the Frankton Trail and chatted to Matt until past the airport. He is a long term Queenstown resident still loving riding the trails around here.
Matt directed me along the scenic route which was a couple of kms more, but worth it.
I got to the Lower Shotover bridge expecting to see Bungy jumping but only found a nice bridge across a beautiful river – that just had to do.
The next section was beautiful as I followed the river. Every 5 kms there was a big climb as the trail avoided cliffs and major rocks beside the river.
The climbing continued but it was all worth it, as the views were stunning – no complaints here.
At the Edgar Bridge, which is a fairly narrow suspension bridge, I was almost across when it started to sway badly. I looked back and there was a line of people behind me (geriatrics on eBikes) – not that there’s anything wrong with that – actually there is… The front two had jumped off their bikes which explains the swaying. The next guy said he was really scared crossing the bridge, so it was great that they were out there having a go. A very friendly bunch too.
The trouble was that they’d scream up the climbs and try and get in front of me by the top, but then they’d be at their unadventurous and conservative best for the descent. A little frustrating, but again, at least they’re out there.
Next stop was the Bungy jumping bridge, so I stayed and watched and didn’t jump. I had so far to go, that I didn’t entertain the thought.
Some food and drink fuelled me for the next section which was on the road through the Kawarau Gorge. I was on the road until my campsite and it was ok without being too dangerous.
There’s an issue here for travellers like me – the majority of campsites only allow self contained vehicles and don’t allow tents. I found one for me on the eastern side of Lake Dunstan and got Komoot to direct me there. Unknown to me was the Lake Dunstan cycle trail on the western side of the lake, with zero traffic. I noticed it from the other side after a few kms, but there were no campsites for tents on that side, so I kept going. I should have just gone back and free camped somewhere on the trail.
When I made it to the campsite, it was superb – not in terms of facilities, but it was right beside the lake and the water was warm. Swimming was a great way to end the day.
I pitched the tent and cooked dinner for the first time since May 2022, and sat by the lake to eat it.
Ah the serenity – shattered by the jet skis that arrived soon after and hung around. Toni, the lady who took the photo at the top of this post, cracked up when I mentioned the serenity. I’d found another international ‘The Castle’ fan – along with Miles and Claire !
I spoke to a few people at the campsite, all with different stories and approaches to their lives, but all interesting.
I slept badly of course. The first night camping is always like that. This time, my inflatable pillow sprung a leak, but I’ll fix it tomorrow with a bike tube patch.
